General Election 2015: Ed Miliband paints himself as the friend of business

Labour leader Ed Miliband speaks at the launch of his party's business 'mini-manifesto' at the London headquarters of Bloomberg (Image: Chris Radburn/PA Wire)

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Labour attempted to paint itself as the friend of employers by launching its “plan for business” on the first official day of the general election campaign.

But businesses leaders weren’t entirely impressed.

The party’s plans included proposals to improve skills and ensure Britain remains in “a reformed European Union”.

North East Chamber of Commerce called on Labour leader Ed Miliband to explain what this meant in practice.

Policy and Research Manager Mark Stephenson said: “Labour must also explain how and when it will reform UK EU membership, which is of vital importance to our businesses. NECC members have said that they wish to remain part of the EU, but want clear timescales for achieving reform.”

And he said Labour’s plans for new targets for reducing carbon emissions - which are linked to global warming - “could limit investment and entrepreneurialism”.

But the Chamber liked other ideas, including plans for a new national body to improve transport, flood defences, telecommunications and other infrastructure projects.

Mr Stephenson said: “It is crucial that all parties recognise the vital role business is playing in driving the economic recovery and it is good to see Labour’s business manifesto identifying the need for long-term investment, access to finance, infrastructure and skills funding – all crucial if the North East is to realise its undoubted potential alongside the party’s focus on supporting small business.

Labour is arguing that the Conservative plan to hold a referendum on quitting the EU is a threat to the economy.

But there was also embarrassment for labour after it took out an advert in a national newspaper quoting a number of leading businesses saying they opposed an EU referendum -without apparently asking the permission of the businesses.

Siemens and Kellogg’s, two of the firms quoted, expressed concern about being dragged into party politics.

However, the fact remains though that senior managers at both firms have warned in recent years that leaving the EU would harm the economy.

Election visits are getting underway, and Tories are set to dispatch Local Government Secretary Eric Pickles to the North East.

Labour has already had a Shadow Cabinet Minister to the North East, with Hilary Benn, Shadow Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, launching the party’s campaign in Middlesbrough South & East Cleveland.

Labour won here in 2010 with a majority of just 1,677, with the Tories in second place, so it will be battling to hold the seat this time around.

Labour leader Ed Miliband (Image: Chris Radburn/PA Wire)

While Ed Miliband has promised to campaign in every part of the country up until May 7, Labour’s campaign in the North East will inevitably focus on Teeside, because that’s where it faces a fight.

So as well as Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland you can expect to see Ministers visiting Stockton South, which Conservatives won with a majority of 332 in 2010 with Labour second.

Labour will also be busy in Redcar, where the Lib Dems are defending a majority of 5,214.

No sign of Nick Clegg yet but it’s a safe bet he’ll be spotted in Berwick-upon-Tweed, Northumberland, a Lib Dem-held seat, before long.

If you’re not in a marginal seat, however, you shouldn’t expect too many visits. Whether that’s a relief or disappointment I’ll let others decide.